Instruction manual

Lateral Force Mode
Advanced LFM Operation
Rev. B MultiMode SPM Instruction Manual 171
Table 10.2a Key for LFM Example Above
10.2.4 Understanding the Color Scale
LFM data is typically monitored in the trace direction with the scan angle set to 90 degrees. The
data then follows a convention where lighter colors mean higher friction. Darker colors mean less
friction. The sign of the color is inverted if Retrace is monitored (see Figure 10.2c).
Figure 10.2c Friction Data
Number
Trace or
Retrace?
Tip
Movement
Level of
Friction
Photo Diode Voltage
1 trace slightly right slight slightly positive
2“severely right higher increases positive
3“straightens slight returns to slightly positive
4“severely right higher increases positive
5“straightens slight returns to slightly positive
6 retrace slightly left slight slightly negative
7“severely left higher increases negative
8“straightens slight returns to slightly negative
9“severely left higher increases negative
10 “ straightens slight returns to slightly negative
Trace
Retrace
High Friction
High Friction
Low Friction